The Computational Biology Lab (http://www.imbb.forth.gr/people/poirazi/drupal/) at the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (IMBB-FORTH, http://www.imbb.forth.gr), headed by Dr. Panayiota Poirazi (http://www.imbb.forth.gr/personal_page/poirazi_new.html), invites applications for a postdoctoral (or senior researcher) position (24 months) that will be available immediately (start date can be between 1/1/2012 - 1/5/2012) as part of the EC-FP7 Marie Curie Initial Training Network (ITN) NAMASEN offering research training in Neuroelectronics and Nanotechnology: towards a Multidisciplinary Approach for the Science and Engineering of Neuronal Networks.

The title of the individual research project at CBL is: "Clustered plasticity and network emergent states"

The fellow will focus on the mathematical investigation and machine-learning classification of collective electrical properties, emerging in neuronal networks coupled to multielectrode arrays and neuroelectronic hybrids. Specifically, he/she will first use patch clamp recordings to study the passive and active electrophysiological properties of neurons in in vitro neuronal networks as well as the presence of synaptic currents following electrical stimulation. In addition, different stimulation protocols will be applied to study whether neuronal networks express specific types of plasticity. We are mostly interested in identifying stimuli that are predicted theoretically to give rise to highly interconnected neuronal sub-networks.
He/she will then explore the consequences of clustered plasticity rules in conductance-based model neurons. Modeling studies will be performed using the NEURON simulation environment in order to build a network of detailed compartmental models of neurons, where synapses capable of exhibiting plasticity properties like the ones recorded in the physiological experiments will be incorporated. Models will be used to generate predictions about how specific stimuli delivered either to randomly selected neurons in a distributed manner throughout the model system or to nearby neurons in a specific location (clustered) of the model system could alter the electrical and/or structural properties of the network.
The methodologies to be used in this project include patch-clamp/extracellular recordings and computational modelling, therefore the fellow should ideally have previous training in both or either of these techniques.

The researcher will be based for most of his/her time at the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB) at the Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH, Greece), supervised by internationally recognized experts and have access to state-of-the-art equipment. Hands-on project training will be supplemented with formal training courses in relevant and related fields, and a wide variety of complementary training courses, colloquia and seminars. In order to ensure exposure to complementary research and industry environments, mobility of researchers in the form of detachment to one or more of the ITN partners is planned and expected for up to 10-15% of the duration of the fellowship.
According to the eligibility criteria, the fellow MUST NOT
1. be a Greek citizen,
2. have resided or carried out his/her main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Greece for more than 12 months in the last 3 years immediately prior to Apr 1st 2012 .
3. have worked in a research position / received research training for more than 5 years of his/her undergraduate degree.

Each member of the NAMASEN consortium is an equal opportunity employer. In particular, applications are strongly encouraged from female candidates. Candidates of all nationalities may apply for the fellowship.

Candidates will be selected taking into account their:
• ability to work in a multidisciplinary team;
• willingness to travel and communicate in an international, inter-sectorial environment, and to broaden their experience and skills through complementary training (e.g. languages, management and communication courses, technology transfer and intellectual property issues, etc.).